Starting off from the plane trip, we had a screaming baby in the seat in front of us. It could have been louder, but damn it wasnt very pleasant. We all woke up so many times ! I wish I had some horse tranquilisers to give that baby....

We finally got to London 14 hours later and to my delight my luggage was nowhere to be found. I had a very thin jacket on and Dublin was mighty cold let me tell you... 4 days later British airways finally delivered my luggage to where I was staying although I was looking a bit scruffy after 3 days of the same clothes. I actually got to buy some clothes as my insurance covered it but just not pleasant.

Anyway to Dublin. The sun was actually shining and we had a great walk around the city. Just great to walk along cobblestone streets and to see the river Liffey. After not too long, Matt and I ended up having our first Guiness in the Temple Bar. I gotta say, all the rumors are true, Guiness tastes sooooo much better in Dublin. So does the Kilkenny too!!!

Walked around the town from bar to bar and saw a few sights the next day before heading over to my mates place just on the edge of the city. Was great to catch him as he has been over here for 2 or 3 years now and was staying with some Irish people.

Just a laugh chatting to them and soon enough the house party was underway. Great party except that where we were sleeping was the lounge room and that was where the party was. Didn't get to sleep until bout 5 or 6 in the morning of st pattys day.

It snowed by the way!!! I ended up running round the backyard dancing. Didn't stay out too long though.... Was so good to see snow again!!!

We all woke up late and had a massive fry up (much needed) and watched the final of the six nations rugby (for those who don't know Ireland was in finals and they were being played on st pattys day). had a few beers while watching the footy and then headed out about 5 to the city. Again, I didn't take my camera for obvious reasons but I kinda wished I had. The town was just fantastic. So many people and every single pub, and I mean every pub, was packed. People filled the streets and kebab shops. Stayed out pretty late and did a small pub crawl. What a great night and I would advise anyone to hit up anywhere in Ireland for st pattys day, although book your accommodation a year or two in advance as nowhere is available!!!

Made the trip to the Guiness brewery which I gotta say was pretty schmicko! Beer tasting on random levels, guiness bread and salmon, and more beer tasting. Great old factory and the best bit was the end!!! At the top of the brewery is the bar where you get your free Guiness. Best part is that it is around 10 - 15 stories up and overlooks downtown Dublin. Great to have a pint there and look around!

Lucy and I also headed to the Jameson distillery. It wasn't quite as good as the guiness brewery but well worth it. So was the tasting at the end. I don't drink whiskey much but that Jameson tasted so smooth. Also had an Irish coffee at the end which tasted surprisingly great for the amount of Jameson they put in it. Man what a buzz!!!

Lucy and I also went to Dublin Castle and Trinity College. Dublin castle is where all important people are entertained (such as Johnny Howard) and the detail and history of the building was quite impressive. The best part was the old castle walls underground. When the government was demolishing some buildings they found the remnants of the original castle walls underneath the footings! One wall built by the Normans in the 1600s and walls made out of animal blood, horse hair and eggs that were built by the vikings in 1200 ad. Just amazing to think that had been built for that long!!! Shamefully, they government built the new building right over the top anyway and only excavated a small showpiece section (as if they should have done that!!!).

Trinity College is one of the oldest universities in Ireland and Europe. Particular interest was the book of Kells. The book of Kells was made in 800ad by monks and was moved to the university to protect it from Norman raiders... Amazing detail and quality of the book too!!!

All in all a great time had in Dublin that is for sure and I will be coming back for sure, and to see the rest of the country. Such a beautiful place and people. I loved the accent!!!